Politico reports this morning that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has been visiting members of his caucus and checking off their support, one by one, for him to remain Republican leader.
It’s a quiet, and successful, campaign he makes every time he’s up for a leadership post. Indeed, McConnell doesn’t seem to be in much danger this year. Every Republican who’s likely to still be in Congress next year, at least the ones he’s spoken to, have pledged their support.
Rumors have flown in Republican circles, however, that Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), a hero among tea partiers, will challenge McConnell for the post. He denies it.
“My goal is to make him majority leader — if not by 2010, then by 2012,” DeMint said.
At least one Republican candidate, snubbed by McConnell in his Senate bid, won’t commit to supporting the leader.
“I’d have to know who the opponent is and make a decision at that time,” said Rand Paul, who’s running from Kentucky. McConnell has endorsed his opponent, Trey Grayson.
But one Republican Senator dismissed that as an idle threat.
“I would be really surprised if he didn’t [vote for McConnell],” Sen. John Thune (R-SD) told reporters, including TPMDC’s Evan McMorris-Santoro, last night when asked about Paul’s statement.
Thune said whoever wins the primary will unite behind McConnell, and McConnell will keep his leadership spot.
